Wimbledon

Serena Williams suffers third round Wimbledon exit

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter

Published: June 28 2014 | 20:27

Last updated: June 29 2014 | 01:55

Five-time Wimbledon champion Serena Williams has crashed out of the competition at the third round having suffered defeat at the hands of Alize Cornet.

World number one Serena Williams has crashed out of Wimbledon in the third round having suffered a 1-6 6-3 6-4 defeat at the hands of Alize Cornet.

The 24-year-old came from one set behind to overcome the five-time champion, as she inflicted Williams's earliest loss in the competition since 2005.

France's Alize Cornet celebrates after winning her women's singles third round match against US player Serena Williams on day six of the 2014 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Tennis Club in Wimbledon, southwest London, on June 28, 2014 © Getty Images

Williams lost serve in the opening game of the match, but soon recovered following a lengthy rain delay to comfortably take the first set.

Cornet raced into a five-game lead in the second, before eventually prevailing 6-3 to ensure the contest was level heading into the third and final set.

World number 24 Cornet grabbed two breaks of serve in the decider to come out of top, ending her American opponents hopes of claiming the title once more.